INFLUENCE OF THE SURGICAL MASK ON THE PERCEPTION OF EFFORT AND SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF AN INCREMENTAL TEST

Abstract

TYPE: Late Breaking Abstract TOPIC: Pulmonary Rehabilitation PURPOSE: To compare the influence of the surgical mask on the perception of effort and some physiological parameters during an incremental test in healthy subjects. METHODS: Case series with 5 healthy subjects. An incremental exercise test was executed with Bruce protocol, divided into two phases, the first execution in a conventional manner and a second using a surgical mask. Vital signs, perception of exertion and dyspnea with the Borg Scale were measured at the beginning and at the end of each test. At the end of each test, blood gasses, distance walked in the stress test and METS achieved were registered. Data analysis with descriptive statistics: ranges and measures of central tendency. RESULTS: 3 men and 2 women, aged between 19 and 22 years (p50:20), BMI between 20.6 and 26.4 (p50:23.4). With the use of a mask, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and perceived exertion increase while peripheral oxygen saturation decreases. In 4 participants, decrease in the distance and METS achieved. Metabolic acidosis was observed, associated with hyperlactatemia and an increase in PaCO2 in 3 participants. PaO2 decreased in all participants during the test without a mask. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently the use of a surgical mask during exercise increases the perception of effort and decreases the distance walked in an incremental aerobic test. Likewise, a decrease in PaO2 compared to the test without a mask. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings on physiological variables and the perception of effort in healthy subjects should be considered for the prescription of exercise in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships. KEYWORD: surgical mask, prescription of exercise